Learn how to use the comparative “harder” and superlative “hardest” with example sentences and differences.

What is the comparative form of “hard”?

The comparative form of “hard” is “harder”.

Example

He studied harder for the final exam than he did for the midterm.

Example

She worked harder on this project than she did on the previous one.

What is the superlative form of “hard”?

The superlative form of “hard” is “hardest”.

Example

Among all the subjects, math is the hardest for him.

Example

She is known for being the hardest worker in the office.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

'Most' and 'more' are generally not used with hard, harder, and hardest. They’re considered regular comparatives and superlatives. The forms 'more hard' and 'most hard' are not used because they sound awkward. Instead, harder and hardest are the correct and preferred forms to use.

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

Hard does not have an irregular comparative or superlative form. It follows the standard pattern for forming comparatives and superlatives. So, to summarize: Comparative: Hard → Harder Superlative: Hard → Hardest

Expressions with similar meanings to “harder”

more difficult

Used to describe something that requires more effort or is more challenging

Example

The advanced level of math is more difficult than the basic level.

tougher

Similar to harder, this emphasizes a higher level of difficulty or challenge

Example

The final level of the video game is tougher than the earlier levels.

more strenuous

Used to describe physical or mental tasks that require more energy or effort

Example

The marathon is a more strenuous race than a 5K run.

Expressions with similar meanings to “hardest”

most difficult

Similar to hardest, this emphasizes the highest level of difficulty

Example

The final puzzle in the escape room was the most difficult.

toughest

Used to describe the highest level of difficulty or challenge

Example

The last level of the video game is the toughest to beat.

most strenuous

A slightly formal way of expressing the highest level of physical or mental effort

Example

The Ironman triathlon is considered the most strenuous endurance race.

Using than with comparative “harder”

When using the comparative form harder to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "He works harder than his colleagues." Here, than is used to show that the level of 'his' work is greater than the level of his colleagues' work.

How can I use this expression in context?

“harder” and “hardest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.

• 1. Education

  The final exam was harder than the previous quizzes.

  The final exam was harder than the previous quizzes.

• 2. Work

  She is the hardest worker in the company.

  She is the hardest worker in the company.

• 3. Sports

  The championship game was the hardest match of the season.

  The championship game was the hardest match of the season.

• 4. Challenges

  Climbing Mount Everest is considered one of the hardest challenges in the world.

  Climbing Mount Everest is considered one of the hardest challenges in the world.

• 5. Tasks

  Writing a novel is one of the hardest tasks for an author.

  Writing a novel is one of the hardest tasks for an author.

Related idioms and phrases

Bite the bullet

To face a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage and determination.

Example

Even though the surgery was risky, he decided to bite the bullet and go through with it.

Put in the hard yards

To put in a lot of effort and hard work to achieve a goal.

Example

She put in the hard yards to become a successful entrepreneur.

Break your back

To work extremely hard, often to the point of exhaustion.

Example

He broke his back to meet the deadline for the project.